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Abstract:

A compression connector for engaging a coaxial cable having a plurality of
center conductors includes a connector body, an insulator disposed within
a center passageway of the body and a compression sleeve attached for
axial movement relative to the body. The multiple center conductors of an
engaged coaxial cable end are seized when advanced a predetermined axial
distance into openings in the insulator within corresponding conductive
pins.

Claims:

1. A compression connector for engaging a coaxial cable, said coaxial
cable including an outer conductor layer and a plurality of center
conductors, said connector comprising:a connector body having a first
end, a second end and a center passageway disposed between said first and
second ends;an insulator disposed within the center passageway of said
connector body adjacent said first end;a compression sleeve attached at
said second end, said sleeve being attached for axial movement relative
to said connector body; andmeans for seizing each of the multiple center
conductors of a prepared coaxial cable end engaged within the connector
when said cable end is inserted into said first end and said compression
sleeve is axially advanced.

2. A connector as recited in claim 1, including a plurality of conductive
pins corresponding in number to the number of center conductors of an
engaged cable end, said means for seizing the center conductors being
disposed in each of said conductive pins.

3. A connector as recited in claim 2, wherein said means for seizing the
center conductors includes a flexible collet section formed at one end of
each conductive pin.

4. A connector as recited in claim 3, wherein each said collet section is
defined by a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the
corresponding opening of said insulator into which said conductive pin is
disposed, said collet section being initially disposed externally of said
opening.

5. A connector as recited in claim 4, wherein said center conductor
seizing means further includes a drive member, said drive member being
disposed within said center passageway and axially movable with said
compression sleeve to engage said collet sections and cause said collet
sections to be driven into said insulator, such that each said center
conductor is seized when advanced a predetermined distance into said
insulator.

6. A connector as recited in claim 2, wherein said means for seizing the
center conductors includes a plurality of spring contacts disposed in
each of said conductive pins, said plurality of spring contacts being
engageable with each center conductor of an engaged cable end when said
conductor is advanced a predetermined distance into said pin.

7. A connector as recited in claim 1, including means for seizing an outer
conductor of said engaged coaxial cable.

8. A connector as recited in claim 7, wherein said outer conductor seizing
means includes a clamp having an exterior surface configured for
contacting the interior surface of center passageway and an interior
surface configured for engaging said outer conductor, said clamp being
axially movable with a portion of said compression sleeve.

9. A connector as recited in claim 8, wherein said interior surface of
said center passageway is defined by a first diameter adjacent said
second end and a second diameter that is smaller than said first
diameter, said first and second diameters being linked by a transitional
surface portion.

10. A connector as recited in claim 1, wherein said coaxial cable is one
of a corrugated and smooth-walled coaxial cable.

11. A compression connector for a coaxial cable, said coaxial cable having
an outer conductor and a plurality of center conductors, said connector
comprising:a connector body having a first end, a second end and a center
passageway defined between said first and second ends;an insulator
fixedly disposed within said center passageway adjacent said first end;a
compression sleeve mounted to said connector body at said second end for
axial movement in connection therewith, said sleeve including a drive
portion extending into said connector body;a clamp having an exterior
surface in engagement with an interior surface of said body and an
interior surface configured for engagement with the outer conductor of a
coaxial cable end, said clamp being movable axially with said compression
sleeve, in which the interior surface of said body includes a first
diameter adjacent said first end and a second diameter adjacent said
second end that is smaller than said first diameter, said first and
second diameters being separated by a transitional surface section;
andmeans for seizing the multiple center conductors of the engaged cable
end, said means being included in a plurality of conductive members
extending into corresponding axial openings of said insulator, said means
being engageable with said center conductors when each center conductor
is advanced a predetermined distance into the conductive member.

12. A connector as recited in claim 11, wherein each of said conductive
members are conductive pins, each of said pins including a flexible
collet portion at one end thereof.

13. A connector as recited in claim 11, wherein said means for seizing
said center conductors includes a drive element disposed distally of said
clamp, said drive element having an engagement surface for engaging each
of said collet portions and causing said collet portions to be driven
into said the axial openings of said insulator.

14. A connector as recited in claim 11, wherein said coaxial cable is at
least one of a smooth-walled and a corrugated coaxial cable.

15. A connector as recited in claim 11, wherein each of said conductive
members includes a plurality of spring portions disposed therein, each of
said spring portions extending into a hollow opening of said conductive
member into which said each center conductor is advanced.

16. A connector as recited in claim 11, wherein said exterior surface of
said clamp includes a plurality of slots enabling said clamp to inwardly
compress when said clamp axially traverses said transitional surface
section.

17. A connector as recited in claim 15, wherein each of said spring
portions are leaf springs.

18. A compression connector for a coaxial cable, said coaxial cable having
an outer conductor and a plurality of inner conductors for a coaxial
cable, said coaxial cable having an outer conductor and a plurality of
center conductors, said connector comprising:a connector body having a
first end, a second end and a center passageway defined between said body
ends;an insulator fixedly disposed within said center passageway adjacent
said first end;a compression sleeve mounted to said connector body at
said second end for axial movement in connection therewith, said sleeve
including a drive portion extending into said connector body;a clamp
having an exterior surface in engagement with an interior surface of said
body and an interior surface configured for engagement with the outer
conductor of a coaxial cable end, said clamp being movable axially with
said compression sleeve, in which the interior surface of said body
includes a first diameter adjacent said first end and a second diameter
adjacent said second end that is smaller than said first diameter, said
first and second diameters being separated by a transitional surface
section; anda plurality of conductive members disposed within axial
openings of said insulator, each of said conductive members having a
hollow portion sized to receive an inner conductor, said conductive
members each further including at least one seizing element that seizes
each said inner conductor when said conductor is advanced a predetermined
axial distance therein.

19. A connector as recited in claim 18, wherein said at least one seizing
element includes a collet section.

20. A connector as recited in claim 19, wherein said collet section is
initially disposed outside of said insulator, said collet section
including a plurality of flexible finger portions and defined by a
transition surface that is larger than the diameter of said insulator
opening.

21. A connector as recited in claim 19, including a drive member that
engages each said collet section and advances said collet section into
said insulator to cause seizure of said inner conductor.

22. A connector as recited in claim 18, wherein said at least one seizing
element includes at least one spring contact.

23. A connector as recited in claim 18, wherein said coaxial cable is at
least one of a coaxial and corrugated coaxial cable.

24. A method for using a compression connector to engage a coaxial cable,
said coaxial cable including an outer conductor and a plurality of inner
conductors, said method comprising the steps of:engaging a prepared cable
end into a first end of a compression connector, said connector having a
connector body and a compression sleeve movably attached to said first
end of said body;axially moving said compression sleeve from the first
end toward an opposite second end, advancing each of the inner conductors
into a corresponding number of conductive members supported within an
insulator, said conductive members having at least one seizure element;
andadvancing said cable end using said compression sleeve such that said
plurality of inner conductors are advanced a predetermined distance into
said conductive member and engaged by said at least one seizing element.

25. A method as recited in claim 24, wherein each of said conductive
members is a hollow conductive pin having a flexible collet section, said
collet section being disposed externally of said insulator and having a
diameter that is larger than that of the insulator opening, said method
including the additional steps of moving a drive member disposed within
said connector body into engagement with said collet sections and causing
said collet sections to be driven into said insulator, said collet
sections being closed to seize said conductors.

26. A method as recited in claim 25, including the step of seizing the
outer conductor of said coaxial cable when said compression sleeve is
moved from said first end to said second end.

27. A method as recited in claim 26, wherein the seizing of said inner
conductors and said outer conductor occurs simultaneously.

28. A method as recited in claim 26, wherein the seizing of said inner
conductors occurs before or after the seizing of said outer conductor.

Description:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001]The application generally relates to the field of coaxial cable
termination and more specifically to a compression connector that can
seize multiple center conductors of an engaged coaxial cable end.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]Coaxial cables are conventionally used as a transmission medium
installed on a widespread basis for purposes of carrying signals for
communication networks, such as cable television (CATV) and computer
networks among others. A coaxial cable used for these purposes must, at
some point, be connected to network connector ports. Typical coaxial
cables, such as 75 ohm and 50 ohm cables, are defined by a center
conductor, an outer conductor and an intermediate dielectric foam layer
disposed therebetween in which the outer conductor layer is covered by a
protective sheath. The center conductor, for example in certain 50 ohm
cables, can be solid in terms of its construction or alternatively hollow
so as to reduce material usage and stiffness. Coaxial cables can also
include smooth-walled and corrugated versions depending on the
application, magnitude of signals to be carried, and other factors.

[0003]When affixing a cable connector to a corrugated coaxial cable, for
example, it is necessary to provide both good electrical and mechanical
contact between the cable connector and center and outer conductors of a
prepared coaxial cable end. It is also desirable to connect each of the
center and outer conductors without having to reposition the cable
connector during the connection operation.

[0004]Certain compression-type cable connectors have been developed that
can effectively seize each of the outer and inner conductors of a
prepared coaxial cable. There are other cable designs, however, that
could utilize a plurality of center conductors but in which proper
mechanical and electrical engagement is also required.

[0005]It is therefore desirable to develop a compression connector that
can be used in relation with such types of cables.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006]According to one aspect, there is provided a compression connector
for coaxial cables having more than one center conductor, the connector
comprising a connector body, an insulator disposed within a center
passageway of said body, a compression sleeve attached for axial movement
relative to said body and means for seizing each of the center conductors
of an engaged coaxial cable end. In one version, the connector further
includes a corresponding number of conductive pins that are disposed
within axial openings of the insulator wherein each of the conductive
pins further include means for seizing each center conductor.

[0007]In one disclosed embodiment, each conductive pin includes a collet
portion having flexible finger sections that are engaged to close so as
to act directly on the center conductor. To that end, the collet portions
are disposed outside of the insulator and caused to move axially into the
insulator openings when the compression sleeve is advanced. Each
insulator opening is defined with a diameter that is smaller than that of
a transition surface of the collet portion such that said axial
advancement causes the flexible finger sections to move inwardly and
close upon or seize the center conductor.

[0008]Preferably, a drive element engages the collet portion, the drive
element being axially movable with the clamp and compression sleeve. The
drive element includes at least one opening enabling the center
conductors to initially pass through to the conductive pins.

[0009]In another version, the means for seizing the center conductor act
when the center conductor is advanced a predetermined distance within the
insulator. According to one embodiment, a plurality of spring contacts
are disposed within each conductive pin. As the center conductor is
advanced, both mechanical and electrical contact is made with the spring
contacts, which can include, for example, a plurality of leaf springs
equi-spaced circumferentially about the hollow interior of each
conductive pin and extending inwardly into the pin cavity.

[0010]Still further, means are provided for effectively seizing the outer
conductor or outer conductor layer of the coaxial cable. These means,
according to one version, include a clamp having an outer annular surface
placed in contact with an interior surface of the connector body and an
inner annular surface configured to engage the outer conductor layer of
an engaged cable end. The clamp is supported for axial movement within
the center passageway of the connector body. In one version, the
connector body includes an interior surface having two different interior
diameters linked by a transitional surface portion wherein the interior
surface of the clamp is caused to compress against the outer conductor
layer of the coaxial cable when axially displaced across the transitional
surface. The clamp itself is provided with means, enabling the clamp to
be compressed inwardly under the application of an inwardly applied
radial force. Engagement between each of the herein described seizing
means and the inner and outer conductors can occur simultaneously or
nearly simultaneously or can be made sequentially.

[0011]The herein described compression connector can be used with various
coaxial cable types, including certain types of corrugated and
smooth-walled coaxial cables.

[0012]According to another aspect, there is provided a compression
connector for a coaxial cable, said cable having an outer conductive
layer and a plurality of center conductors, said connector comprising a
connector body having a first end, a second end and a center passageway
defined between said body ends, an insulator fixedly disposed within said
center passageway adjacent said first end, a compression sleeve mounted
to said connector body at said second end for axial movement in
connection therewith including a drive portion extending into said body,
a clamp having an exterior surface in engagement with an interior surface
of said body and an interior surface configured for engagement with the
outer conductive layer of a coaxial cable end engaged therewith, said
clamp being movable axially with said compression sleeve, in which the
interior surface of said body includes a first diameter adjacent said
first end and a second diameter adjacent said second end that is smaller
than said first diameter, said first and second diameters being separated
by a transitional surface section. The connector further includes means
for seizing the multiple center conductors of the engaged cable end, said
means including a plurality of hollow conductive pins extending into
axial openings of said insulator, said means being engageable with each
of said center conductors when said center conductors are advanced a
predetermined distance into the insulator.

[0013]In one version, each of the conductive pins includes a collet
portion that is defined by a plurality of flexible fingers, the collet
portion of each conductive pin extending outside of the insulator
opening. The collet portion is larger in diameter than the diameter of
the corresponding insulator opening. A drive element engages the collet
portion and causes the conductive pin to be driven axially into the
insulator opening, wherein the flexible fingers are caused to close about
each center conductor and produce seizure. In one version, the drive
element is disposed in relation to the clamp wherein axial movement of
the compression sleeve produces corresponding movement of the drive
element and causes each collet portion to be received at least in part
within the insulator, effecting a mechanical and electrical connection
with each of the multiple center conductors of the engaged coaxial cable.

[0014]In lieu of the collet portions and according to another version, the
conductive pins can be fixedly mounted within the insulator and therefore
a drive element is not specifically required. A set of spring contacts,
such as leaf springs, are equi-spaced and circumferentially disposed
within each hollow conductive pin. The spring contacts extend inwardly
into the hollow opening of each conductive pin and act to seize the
center conductor as it advanced a predetermined distance into the
insulator.

[0015]According to yet another aspect, there is provided a compression
connector for a coaxial cable, said coaxial cable having an outer
conductor and a plurality of inner conductors for a coaxial cable, said
coaxial cable having an outer conductor and a plurality of center
conductors, said connector comprising a connector body having a first
end, a second end and a center passageway defined between said body ends,
an insulator fixedly disposed within said center passageway adjacent said
first end; a compression sleeve mounted to said connector body at said
second end for axial movement in connection therewith, said sleeve
including a drive portion extending into said connector body; a clamp
having an exterior surface in engagement with an interior surface of said
body and an interior surface configured for engagement with the outer
conductor of a coaxial cable end, said clamp being movable axially with
said compression sleeve, in which the interior surface of said body
includes a first diameter adjacent said first end and a second diameter
adjacent said second end that is smaller than said first diameter, said
first and second diameters being separated by a transitional surface
section; and a plurality of conductive members disposed within axial
openings of said insulator, each of said conductive members having a
hollow portion sized to receive an inner conductor, said conductive
members each further including at least one seizing element that seizes
each inner conductor when said conductors are advanced a predetermined
axial distance therein by said compression sleeve.

[0016]According to one version, the at least one seizing element is
defined by a collet section of each conductive member. The collet section
includes a plurality of flexible fingers disposed at an extending end of
the conducting member. The collet section is sized to receive an inner
conductor, the connector further including a drive element that causes
the collet section to be driven into an opening of the insulator causing
the collet to close about and seize the conductor when the compression
sleeve is advanced and the collet is advanced a predetermined distance
within the insulator.

[0017]According to another version, the at least one seizing element
includes a plurality of spring contacts formed within the conductive
member. Each conductive member is fitted within an opening of the
insulator and includes a hollow end that receives the inner conductor.
When advanced a predetermined axial distance, the spring contacts engage
and seize the inner conductors. In one embodiment, a plurality of
equi-spaced leaf springs are used, the leaf springs extending into the
hollow opening of the conductive member for engaging the axially
advancing inner conductor.

[0018]As noted, the herein described compression connector can be used
with various types of coaxial cable, including certain corrugated and
smooth-walled types of coaxial cable.

[0019]An advantage of the herein described compression connector is that
mechanical and electrical attachment of each of a plurality of inner
conductors of an engaged cable end can be achieved in a reliable and
secure manner.

[0020]These and other features and advantages will be readily understood
from the following Detailed Description, which should be read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1(A) is a perspective view of one end of a corrugated coaxial
cable having an end prepared for use with a coaxial cable connector;

[0022]FIG. 1(B) is a perspective view of a smooth-walled coaxial cable
having an end prepared for use with a coaxial cable connector;

[0023]FIG. 1(C) is a perspective view of the smooth-walled coaxial cable
of FIG. 1(B), having a portion of the dielectric layer cored out;

[0024]FIG. 2 is a side perspective view, shown in section, of a coaxial
cable connector in accordance with a first embodiment, the connector
being shown in a partially engaged position;

[0025]FIG. 3 is the side sectioned perspective view of the coaxial cable
connector of FIG. 2, the connector being shown in a fully engaged
position;

[0026]FIG. 4 is an exploded assembly view of the coaxial cable connector
of FIGS. 2 and 3;

[0027]FIG. 5 is a side perspective view, shown in section, of a coaxial
cable connector in accordance with a second embodiment; and

[0028]FIG. 6 is the side sectioned perspective view of the coaxial cable
connector of FIG. 5, the connector being shown in a fully engaged
position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029]The following description relates to a coaxial cable connector that
can be used in conjunction with a prepared end of a coaxial cable having
multiple (i.e., more than one) center conductors. More specifically, the
embodiment described herein relates to the termination of a smooth-walled
coaxial cable having a cable end prepared for engagement with exemplary
compression connectors. It will be readily apparent, however, that
various other modifications and variations are possible, for example,
utilizing other types of coaxial cable; for example, such as certain
corrugated coaxial cables. In addition, various terms are used throughout
this description in order to provide a suitable frame of reference with
regard to the accompanying drawings. These terms are not intended to be
limiting, however, except where so specifically indicated.

[0030]For purposes of background and referring to FIG. 1(A), there is
shown an exemplary corrugated coaxial cable 10 having a cable end that is
prepared for termination onto a coaxial cable connector. An insulative
outer jacket 12 is cut away to expose an axial portion of a corrugated
outer conductor layer 14 that comprises a plurality of annular peaks and
valleys. Additional details relating to this type of coaxial cable can be
found, for example, in commonly owned and co-pending U.S. Ser. No.
11/743,633 incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Both the
outer conductor layer 14 and an intermediate dielectric layer 16 are cut
away from an exposed center conductor 18 at the distal end of the coaxial
cable 10. It should be noted that details relating to the preparation of
the cable end are well known in the field and do not form an essential
part of this application.

[0031]Referring to FIG. 1(B), a smooth-walled coaxial cable 10' is
depicted as prepared for termination with a coaxial cable connector for
termination. The cable 10' is also defined by a center conductor 18, an
intermediate dielectric layer 16 and an outer conductor layer 14'. An
insulative outer jacket 12 initially covers each of the foregoing layers,
wherein the jacket is cut away by conventional means to define an axial
section of the outer conductor layer 14' and the outer conductor layer
and intermediate dielectric layer 16 are each cut away to provide an
exposed center conductor 18 at the distal end of cable end. Additionally
and according to this described version, the dielectric layer 16 is cored
out to define a hollow 58 after both the corrugated outer conductor layer
14' and dielectric layer 16 are cut away from the exposed center
conductor 18.

[0032]FIG. 1(C) illustrates a smooth-walled cable 10'' that is somewhat
similar to the above described version. However and in this specific
version, the cable 10'' is defined with a plurality of center conductors
18 as opposed to a single center conductor. Such depicted cables are
used, for example, in machine apparatus for transmitting control signals.
Additionally and according to this version, a foam or other suitable
dielectric layer (not shown in this view) is cored out, defining a hollow
58 after both the corrugated outer conductor layer 14'' and dielectric
layer have been cut away from the exposed center conductor 18. This
latter cable 10'' is herein utilized for purposes of each of the
following described compression connectors, which is detailed as follows.
It will be readily apparent that other forms of coaxial cable, including
those depicted above, can be utilized. Moreover, the center conductors
shown herein are solid in terms of their construction. However and as
noted above, certain center conductors can also be made hollow so as to
reduce material usage and stiffness for certain applications. It is
further intended that the herein described connector can be used with
either such variation.

[0033]With the preceding background and referring to FIG. 2, there is
shown a compression coaxial cable connector 20 made in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment, the connector being shown in a partially compressed
or engaged position. The connector 20 is defined by a connector body 22
in which a nut 24 is rotatably connected at one distal end 41 via an
annular flange 26. For purposes of clarity, the term "distal" and
"proximal" are used frequently throughout wherein all conventions that
employ the terms distal and proximal shall commonly refer to these body
ends. That is and for all described components, surfaces of these
components facing or closest to the distal end 41 of the connector body
22 shall be referred to as "distal" while those surfaces closer to the
end 42 shall be referred to as "proximal".

[0034]The connector body 22 is defined by a center cavity or passageway 23
that retains an insulator 28, the latter component being fixedly mounted
in the distal body end 41 adjacent the annular flange 26. More
specifically, the insulator 28 includes an annular shoulder 47 that
engages the top surface of a cylindrical retaining section 27 of the
connector body 22 having a through opening or bore which a distal portion
of the insulator is snugly fitted, and therefore the insulator is fixed.

[0035]Proximal of the cylindrical retaining portion 27, the interior
surface within the center passageway 23 of the connector body 22
according to this embodiment is defined by a first axial section having a
first diameter adjacent the proximal end 42 and a second axial section
distal of the first axial section having a second diameter that is
smaller than the first diameter. The two axial sections are linked by a
transitional surface section 52, which is formed by means of a ramped
configuration herein, though it will be appreciated that other suitable
forms of transition can be utilized. The interior diameter of the second
axial section is substantially constant until encountering cylindrical
retaining section 27. Proximal to this latter section, the interior
diameter of the center passageway 23 is expanded, though not quite as
large as that of the second axial section, this retaining section
extending to the distal end 41.

[0036]The insulator 28 according to this embodiment includes a pair of
spaced apart axial through openings 56, FIG. 4, each of the openings
retaining therein a hollow conductive pin 30. It should be noted,
however, that the number of these openings can be varied, depending on
the number of center conductors to be seized for an engaged coaxial
cable.

[0037]Each hollow conductive pin 30 according to this exemplary embodiment
is defined by a pin portion 32, FIG. 4, at the distal end and a collet
portion 34, FIG. 4, at the opposite proximal end, noting again that the
terms "distal" and "proximal" are used in conjunction with the ends 41,
42 of the connector body 22. Initially and as shown in FIG. 2, each
collet portion 34 extends outwardly from a proximal surface of the
insulator 28. The collet portions 34 are each defined by a set of
electrical contacts formed in a cylindrical sleeve within a plurality of
flexible fingers or tines, wherein the diameter of the collet portions
are further defined by a transition surface 35 that gradually increases
toward the proximal end of the conductive pin 30. A drive insulator or
mandrel 36 is positioned for axial movement within the center passageway
23 of the connector body 22 between the extending of the extending collet
portions 34 and a clamp 38, the mandrel having a series of axial openings
37 that are aligned with the insulator openings 56. An annular portion 64
extends proximally from the body of the mandrel 36 for engaging the cable
end 10'', as described below.

[0038]The clamp 38 described herein is defined by an exterior surface 43
and an interior surface 45, the former being situated in intimate
contact, initially, with the interior surface of the first axial section
of the connector body 22 as shown in FIG. 2. The exterior surface 43 of
the clamp 38 according to this embodiment is annular and preferably
provided with a plurality of axial slots spaced thereabout, enabling the
clamp to be inwardly compressed in a manner described below. The interior
surface 45 of the clamp 38 is also annular according to this embodiment
for engagement with a cable end 10'', also as described below.

[0039]The herein described compression connector 20 further includes a
compression sleeve 40 that is movably attached to the body 22, the sleeve
having a portion that fits over the proximal end 42 of the connector body
22, the sleeve further including an annular slot that is sized to receive
the periphery of the connector body 22. A drive portion 44 of the
compression sleeve 40 fits against an annular flange 46 of a drive ring
48, the drive ring 48 also engaging the clamp 38. An annular elastomeric
seal element 50 fits snugly against the outer insulative jacket 12 of the
prepared corrugated cable end 10'' during installation of the cable to
prevent the ingress of moisture or particulate matter, while also
providing strain relief of the cable and increased cable retention in the
connector 20. In terms of positioning and when initially assembled, a
proximal edge of the elastomeric seal element 50 abuts an interior end
surface of the compression sleeve 40.

[0040]Still referring to FIG. 2 and when the prepared cable 10'', FIG.
1(C), is initially inserted into a proximal end opening 54 of the
compression connector 20 in the direction shown by arrow a, the outer
conductor layer 14 of the prepared cable end advances axially and
initially engages the interior annular surface 45 of the clamp 38.
However and in this initial configuration, the clamp diameter is sized so
as not to impose any seizing force upon the outer conductor layer 14''.
In the meantime, the exposed center conductor 18 of the engaged cable end
10'' extends through openings 37 provided in the drive mandrel 28 into
the respective insulator 36 and the collet portions 34 of each conductive
pin 30. One of the collet portions 34 is cut away in FIG. 2 to better
depict this latter engagement. As noted, the collet portions 34 each
extend outside of the insulator 28 initially wherein the electrical
contacts disposed within the flexible finger portions do not engage
directly against the center conductors 18. In addition, the annular
proximal extending portion 64 of the drive mandrel 36 has extended into
the formed hollow 58 of the initially engaged cable end 10''.

[0041]The compression sleeve 40 is acted upon by a compression tool (not
shown) wherein axial movement in the direction depicted by arrow a causes
the compression sleeve to move axially toward the distal end 41 of the
connector body 22. This engagement causes the drive portion of the
compression sleeve 40 to engage against the annular flange 46 of the
drive ring 48 and the elastomeric seal element 50. As a result, the
adjacent clamp 38 is also engaged and caused to be shifted axially in the
direction a. When the exterior surface 43 of the clamp 38 engages the
transitional surface 52, the clamp begins to compress based on the change
in diameter and compliancy of the clamp material, the slots 39 enabling
the clamp to conform inwardly causing the interior surface to apply
greater force against the cored outer conductor layer 14'' of the engaged
cable 10''. Note FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the cable 10 cut away to depict
the intermediate dielectric layer 16 for purposes of clarity.

[0042]Referring to FIG. 3, the herein described compression connector 20
is shown with the prepared coaxial cable 10'' advanced to a fully engaged
position. In this position, the distal surface of the drive mandrel 38 is
caused to impinge upon the extending end of the collet sections 34. The
drive mandrel 38 is supported for axial movement within the connector and
therefore is also axially shifted with the clamp 38, drive ring 48, seal
element 50 and compression sleeve 40. Therefore, the extending end of the
collet sections 34 and center conductors 18 are each axially advanced
into the respective insulator openings 56. Because the diameter of the
collet transition surface 35 is larger than the fixed diameter of each
insulator opening 56, as noted above, each collet section 34 is caused to
gradually close as the collet portion is advanced into the insulator
opening and therefore seize each of the center conductors 18. In this
fully engaged position, the clamp 38 has advanced axially such that the
exterior surface 43 has passed the transitional surface section 52 and
now is in intimate contact with the interior surface of the second axial
section. In this position, the clamp 38 buckles but also fully engages
(i.e., seizes) the outer conductor layer 14'' of the cable 10''.

[0043]According to the present embodiment, the seizure of each of the
inner conductors and the outer conductor layer of the cable is
accomplished simultaneously or nearly simultaneously. However, the above
seizure can be performed in a staggered or staged manner such that either
the center conductors or the outer conductor are seized initially,
followed by the other of the conductors. Additionally, the clamp
described herein could be configured for seizing the outer conductive
layer of a corrugated coaxial cable, such as the cable end 10 shown in
FIG. 1A.

[0044]Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 and according to another exemplary
embodiment, the extending collet portions of the conductive pins can be
removed in lieu of a plurality of spring portions, such as described in
USSN [to be assigned--Attorney Docket No. 3037424 US01] the entire
contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in order to
separately seize each of a plurality of center (inner) conductors of a
prepared coaxial cable end.

[0045]More specifically, the compression connector 220 for this embodiment
is also described with regard to the prepared end of the smooth-walled
cable 10'' of FIG. 1(C). It will be readily apparent that other
configurations and variations are possible. For example, annular
corrugated coaxial cables, FIG. 1(A), can also be utilized with a similar
center conductor seizing mechanism. In this specific version, the
compression connector 220 includes a body 222 having a center passageway
or cavity 223 defined between respective distal and proximal ends 241,
242. As in the preceding, the terms "distal" and "proximal" are
consistently adopted herein based on the convention of these ends. A nut
224 is secured for rotation to the exterior of the connector body 222 at
the distal end 241 on an annular flange 226. The interior surface of the
center passageway 223 of the connector body 222 is further defined by
adjacent axial sections having different diameters; that is, a first
axial section having a first diameter adjacent the proximal end 242 near
end opening 254 and a second axial section having a second diameter that
is larger than the first diameter; each of the diameters being linked by
a transitional surface section 252, which can be ramped or otherwise
suitably configured.

[0046]Referring to FIG. 5, an insulator 228 is fixedly mounted adjacent
the distal end 241 within the center passageway 223. The insulator 228 is
defined by a cylindrical body that includes a pair of axial through
openings 256 in spaced relation, each of the openings retaining a hollow
conductive pin 230. In addition, the insulator 228 according to this
version includes an annular shoulder 247 that initially engages the top
surface of a cylindrical retaining section 227 of the connector body 222,
the retaining section having a through opening or bore within which a
distal portion of the insulator is snugly fitted. As noted in the
previous embodiment, the number of openings in the insulator 228 can be
varied, depending on the number of center conductors 18 to be seized.
Each hollow conductive pin 230 is defined by a pin portion 232 and a
spring contact portion 234 on opposite ends thereof. In this version, the
conductor pins 230 are fixedly mounted within each insulator opening 256.

[0047]The conductive pins 230 are aligned with respective axial openings
237 that are formed in a drive mandrel or insulator 236 disposed between
the insulator 228 and a clamp 236. The drive mandrel 236 includes a pair
of through openings 237, each sized to permit passage of each of the
center conductors 18 of a cable end 10'' the mandrel according to this
embodiment also including an annular proximal extending portion 264. As
in the preceding embodiment, the clamp 236 includes an exterior annular
surface 243 and an interior annular surface 245. The exterior annular
surface 243 is sized to engage the interior surface of the connector body
222 and the inner annular surface 245 is configured to engage the outer
conductive layer 14'' of the engaged cable end 10''.

[0048]Also and as in the preceding, the herein described compression
connector 220 further includes a compression sleeve 240 that is movably
attached to the body 222, the sleeve having a portion that fits over the
proximal end 242 of the connector body as well as an annular interior
slot that is sized to retain the periphery of the connector body. A drive
portion 244 of the compression sleeve 240 fits against an annular flange
246 of a drive ring 248, the drive ring also engaging the clamp 238. An
annular elastomeric seal element 250 fits snugly against the outer
insulative jacket 12 of the prepared corrugated cable end 10'' during
installation of the cable to prevent the ingress of moisture or
particulate matter, while also providing strain relief for the cable and
increased cable retention in the connector, a proximal edge of the seal
element being in contact with an annular edge section of the compression
sleeve 240.

[0049]Still referring to FIG. 5 and when the prepared cable 10'', FIG.
1(C), is initially inserted into the end opening 254 of the connector 220
in the direction shown by arrow a, the outer conductor layer 14 of the
prepared cable end initially engages with the interior annular surface
245 of the clamp 238. In the meantime, the exposed center conductor 18
extends through openings 237 provided in the drive mandrel 228 into the
respective insulator 236 and the hollow ends of each conductive pin 230.
One of the conductive pins 230 is cut away in FIG. 5 to better depict
this latter engagement. Also and as in the preceding, the proximal
extending annular portion 264 in the proximal side of the mandrel 236
extend into the formed hollow 58 of the cable end.

[0050]The compression sleeve 240 is acted upon by a compression tool (not
shown) wherein axial movement in the direction shown by arrow a causes
the compression sleeve to move axially toward the insulator 228, also
causing the drive ring 248 and the clamp 238 to be shifted axially in the
direction a. The exterior surface 243 of the clamp 238 engages the
transitional surface 252, causing the clamp to engage against the cored
outer conductor layer 14'' of the engaged cable 10''. Note FIGS. 5 and 6
illustrate the cable 10 cut away to depict the intermediate dielectric
layer 16 for purposes of clarity wherein as noted the specifics of the
tool are known to those in the field and do not form an essential portion
of this application.

[0051]Referring to FIG. 6, the multiple center insulators 18 of the
prepared coaxial cable end 10'' each advance axially into the hollow
conductive pins 230 and when advanced a predetermined axial distance, the
center conductors are engaged by each of the spring portions 234 that
extend inwardly radially toward the center of the hollow opening of the
conductive pin. According to this embodiment, the spring portions 234
comprise a plurality of leaf springs that are equi-spaced about the
circumference of the interior of each conductive pin. The presence of the
center conductors 18 acts against the bias of the leaf springs, producing
a reliable mechanical and electrical engagement when the center conductor
has advanced a predetermined distance within each conductor pin.

[0119]It will be readily apparent that other variations and modifications
are possible within the intended ambits of the present invention, as
provided by the following claims. For example and according to another
variation, a spiral corrugated coaxial cable could also be utilized in a
connector design designed for multiple center conductors. In such a
configured version, the spiral coaxial cable must initially be twisted
when the cable is engaged to properly align a clamp having corresponding
spiral corrugations with the outer conductive layer. However, a "fixed"
insulator will not work properly relative to the multiple center
insulators for purposes of alignment and seizure. Therefore, the
insulator would be attached or otherwise interconnected to the clamp to
"float" or otherwise move in concert with the clamp in order to permit
initial alignment to occur.

Patent applications by Daniel Robb, East Syracuse, NY US

Patent applications by David Jackson, Manlius, NY US

Patent applications by Noah Montena, Syracuse, NY US

Patent applications by John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc.

Patent applications in class With radially compressible cable grip

Patent applications in all subclasses With radially compressible cable grip